Rate Your Battery Charger!

[KE0GXN]

I have owned the lacross, the Maha, and the ambient weather / Opus chargers.

When it comes to the lacross charger overheating I can say from personal experience that it does happen. That being said it appears to be more of a quality control issue than an issue that affects every charger. I went through two chargers in a six month period. The first unit I noticed was overheating right away so send it in for an exchange and the second unit made it about six months. The second time I placed some batteries in the charger to be recharged and walked away to fix dinner. About a half an hour later I started smelling a burning smell and came back to find a battery charger mess. On the flipside I have friends who have been using theirs for years with no issues. Out of all the people I know who have had this charger the success rate has been around 50%.

The Maha charger is a very well-built and excellent performing machine. My C 9000 is almost 4 years old and still charging like the day it came out of the box. This charger is great but there are a few things to be aware of. When you charge batteries in the 9000 it will charge the batteries up to approximately 90-95% then it will rely on what they call a top off charge which lasts an hour to finish charging the cells. Four example if you set the charger to charge at 1000MaH it will charge to approximately 95% and relies on a 250MaH top off charge to finish the job. Even though the display reads done it may still be in the top off charge mode so you need to allow for extra time. The charger has a backlight that is very bright and is always on while the unit is operational. I swear you could use this thing as a night light. You definitely want to keep this in mind when choosing where to place the charger. I will repeat what previous posters have said about the amount of button presses necessary. You have to set each individual battery to the required setting. The last thing is more of an observation but this unit is size wise the biggest one out of all the units you are comparing. If you are using it only at home this is obviously not an issue but if you will be traveling with it it is something to keep in mind as it will require a little extra space in the suitcase.

The Opus / Ambient Weather Chargers are probably the newest of the bunch. The first generation of chargers did have some overheating and software issues but the newer units thanks to hardware and firmware changes no longer have this problem. If you purchased through Amazon you will be getting the newest version. As of the time of this post you know you have the newest version by plugging it in and observing the number in the far left column. This number is the current firmware version and should read 2.1. I saw a lot of the same post you did in the other forums but after doing a lot of the research found the majority of them to be from the previous generation. I've had this charger for just over nine months and really like it. The minor issues I had with the Maha do not exist with this one. Batteries are charged to 100% based on the current you select so no more worrying about extra time for top off charging. If you place all of your batteries in the charger prior to plugging it in it will default to all four batteries so you only have to set the settings one time. The backlight even though it is dimmer is still fully usable and goes off after a few seconds of no buttons being pressed. The size is smaller than the Maha but bigger than the Lacross. I travel quite a bit so this means a little more room in my suitcase for other things which is a plus for me. The only thing I have found so far that is even close to a complaint is that when the battery reaches a full charge the display reads full. You have to hit the display button to toggle through the different information and after five seconds the display reverts back to full.

Lastly for rechargeable batteries I am now using the Amazon basics high capacity rechargeable batteries. These batteries are rebranded Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries for half the cost

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-...id=1443454860&sr=8-1&keywords=aa+rechargeable

In short you really can't go wrong with either the Maha or Opus / Ambient Weather chargers. Along with the Amazon batteries above it's a winning combination.

As always, thanks for the detailed feedback!

You are actually the member here that got me started down the AB BC-2000 road to begin with in another thread. Sounds like you are extremely happy with your decision to purchase it.

I too am aware of the 95% when done issue and the suggested 1-2 hour top off charge afterwards....which favors one going with the BC-2000. I also would like to set a set of batteries in a charger and just plug and go, instead of having to program each cell. I also like the fact that the BC-2000 has 4 screens, versus the Maha's one big one.

On the flip side, I don't do much traveling, so the Maha's size is not an issue for me, as it will mostly sit on a table in my house.

I actually prefer a charger that has a constant LED light on function (personnel preference).

Given all that, for some reason I still feel drawn to the Maha, if for nothing else it's long, long track record of proven quality and "outstanding" reviews. Your positive experience with the BC-2000 while only 9 months long bodes well with keeping it at the top of my list, however......the fact that you stated your Maha has been owned by you for 4 years and still works like the day it came out of the box carries a lot more weight with me.

 

[KE0GXN]

Here is a particular review I want to share with you guys, given the praise I gave AW for their CS when I inquired about two issues with them. If this reviewer is "honest" as really has no ax to grind, then I must say I am a little confused in Ambient Weather's behavior, in particular Ed "The Weatherman's" (he was the individual I interacted with on my inquires).....I post this, because like I stated, a company's customer care/support is important to me when making purchasing decisions and dictates whether or not I will repeatedly do business with them in the future.

You guys have been extremely helpful to me and if by sharing information with you ends up helping you guys in return, then all the better.

The reviewer is Andrew Falconar his review is the second or third review on the page, depending on how you look at it. Either way, you should easily identify it by his name and it's length. He gave the BC-2000 two stars and went into quite the lengthy review on why and delved into some of Ed's tactics/responses. He also makes mention of another guy, but best I could tell, that guy is not affiliated with Ambient Weather:

http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weath...ll_formats&filterByStar=two_star&pageNumber=1

There is also a few exchanges between Andrew and Ed in the comments section at the end of the review. (You have to click the comments tab at the bottom of the review to see them).

Make of it as you will......FYI....on the flip side, Andrew is a 5 star endorser of the Maha MH C9000.

 

[johnmblack]

charging

About this "discharge first and then recharge every time" philosophy; I don't personally think it's necessary if you have a smart charger. Unless the battery has been misused (or disused) and needs some exercise, I believe that you're just shortening the battery life with needless discharge cycles.
When chargers were stupid and charged by time, I could see a levelling step, so that all batteries got the same amount of charge, but today?

john

 

[N5XTC]

About this "discharge first and then recharge every time" philosophy; I don't personally think it's necessary if you have a smart charger. Unless the battery has been misused (or disused) and needs some exercise, I believe that you're just shortening the battery life with needless discharge cycles.
When chargers were stupid and charged by time, I could see a levelling step, so that all batteries got the same amount of charge, but today?

john

I would like to hear more on this issue you raise. was thinking it myself.

 

[Spitfire8520]

I'm pretty sure fully discharging before recharging are from the days of NiCd batteries that had a memory effect if you failed to do so. A large portion of rechargeable batteries are now NiMH or Li-ion which can just be topped off without being detrimental to battery life. I do believe fully discharging most cells shortens the battery life as previously mentioned.

As for the charger, I use the MH-C9000 based on the vast amount of users who suggested it. I don't have much to add to the discussion in regards to this unit that hasn't already been mentioned. I do have some minor complaints regarding the DONE message and the top off charge. It really should've been programmed to show the message after it is truly done charging.

 

[Ed6698]

I have been using 2 Maha MH-C9000 chargers close to 2 years and have not had any issues with either one. I used to run the break in mode on all new batteries, I stopped doing that and just started using the batteries right away, also never fully discharge my batteries anymore either. I just use them in my scanners and when they start getting low or trigger the low battery warning I switch them out with a charged set. My Eneloop Pros get charged anywhere from 500ma to 800ma. I vary the charge rate every so often, no real reason, just like to vary it. My batteries are used heavily also and have not had any problems with the batteries or the charger.

 

[N0RBA]

1. Ambient Weather BC-2000 - I currently own this charger and am very happy with it.

2. Maha MH-C9000 - Haven't used this one but it looks like a good charger though it is bigger than the other two.

3. La Crosse BC 700 - owned this one for about three years before it died (user error, plugged it in to the wrong power supply), it did a good job but I do like the BC-2000 better.

 

[KE0GXN]

1. Ambient Weather BC-2000 - I currently own this charger and am very happy with it.

2. Maha MH-C9000 - Haven't used this one but it looks like a good charger though it is bigger than the other two.

3. La Crosse BC 700 - owned this one for about three years before it died (user error, plugged it in to the wrong power supply), it did a good job but I do like the BC-2000 better.

How long have you had the BC 2000? Any pros or cons you can think of?

Thanks!

 

[KE0GXN]

I have been using 2 Maha MH-C9000 chargers close to 2 years and have not had any issues with either one. I used to run the break in mode on all new batteries, I stopped doing that and just started using the batteries right away, also never fully discharge my batteries anymore either. I just use them in my scanners and when they start getting low or trigger the low battery warning I switch them out with a charged set. My Eneloop Pros get charged anywhere from 500ma to 800ma. I vary the charge rate every so often, no real reason, just like to vary it. My batteries are used heavily also and have not had any problems with the batteries or the charger.

I have been so focused trying to find the right charger, I haven't really looked into all the different aspects of discharging and recharging.....I just figured it was necessary. Be interested to hear more about it.....I am totally new to all of this.

 

[N0RBA]

How long have you had the BC 2000? Any pros or cons you can think of?

Thanks!

I have owned it about 9 mo. I have about 40 AA's and 30 AAA's and charge them on a regular basis. For regular charging (just putting them in and bringing them to full charge) it's pretty quick and painless. I charge my AA's at 400 Ma and the AAA's at 200 Ma, I personally don't feel the need to use the discharge and recharge function every time. I do run a discharge cycle about every sixth charge, (all my batteries are numbered and I keep a chart) but it's more of a personal thing to track the mAH.

I like that the size is a little larger on the BC2000 than the La Crosse, the batteries are spread a little father apart and it seems to stay cooler when charging. As far as function both are very similar in the way they work and I am sure either would serve you well.

If I was looking to buy a new charger and choosing between the two today I would take the BC 2000, it seems well built and charges at the same Ma cooler.

 

[Ed6698]

I would say any of the chargers mentioned in this thread would suit your needs of keeping your batteries in good shape. I also researched quite a while before I bought mine.. Any charger that charges cells individually and keeps them spaced apart a decent amount should work fine.

I have tried Duracell, Energizer and Eneloops rechargeable batteries, and found the longevity, durability of the Energizers and Duracells did not perform as good as the Eneloops. I now use Eneloops exclusively, I use the regular white Eneloops and the Pros, the Pros get used in my scanners. Eneloops cost more, but are worth it in the long run.

 

[N5XTC]

hate to be the dissenter here, but i use my 396XT to charge the rechargeables that came with it and have been fine for a few months now. where am I going wrong? seriously. i only charge them a few hours or until they are collectively 4.15 volts according to the radio, no more, no less, and it's doing fine. radio runs many hours before gets to around 3.4 volts then shuts off. works for me daily and i use it quite a bit. i am going to buy a charger and rechargables eventually, but so far this is working fine. i dont overcharge the batteries or anything like that.

 

[KE0GXN]

I have owned it about 9 mo. I have about 40 AA's and 30 AAA's and charge them on a regular basis. For regular charging (just putting them in and bringing them to full charge) it's pretty quick and painless. I charge my AA's at 400 Ma and the AAA's at 200 Ma, I personally don't feel the need to use the discharge and recharge function every time. I do run a discharge cycle about every sixth charge, (all my batteries are numbered and I keep a chart) but it's more of a personal thing to track the mAH.

I like that the size is a little larger on the BC2000 than the La Crosse, the batteries are spread a little father apart and it seems to stay cooler when charging. As far as function both are very similar in the way they work and I am sure either would serve you well.

If I was looking to buy a new charger and choosing between the two today I would take the BC 2000, it seems well built and charges at the same Ma cooler.

I would say any of the chargers mentioned in this thread would suit your needs of keeping your batteries in good shape. I also researched quite a while before I bought mine.. Any charger that charges cells individually and keeps them spaced apart a decent amount should work fine.

I have tried Duracell, Energizer and Eneloops rechargeable batteries, and found the longevity, durability of the Energizers and Duracells did not perform as good as the Eneloops. I now use Eneloops exclusively, I use the regular white Eneloops and the Pros, the Pros get used in my scanners. Eneloops cost more, but are worth it in the long run.

Thanks guys. I will be making my decision soon, Still have some t's to cross and some i's to dot.

 

[johnmblack]

Scott; you're going wrong because you haven't invested in all these chargers like the rest of us; c'mon!

I charge batteries in my Chinese SW radios, and sometimes in my AOR AR8200. I haven't had any problems either, just the AOR isn't an automatic charger so I have to remember to stop it after running overnight.

As long as it works, why change?

John

 

[N5XTC]

Scott; you're going wrong because you haven't invested in all these chargers like the rest of us; c'mon!

I charge batteries in my Chinese SW radios, and sometimes in my AOR AR8200. I haven't had any problems either, just the AOR isn't an automatic charger so I have to remember to stop it after running overnight.

As long as it works, why change?

John

HAHA. I am very careful how long I charge the batteries. I do not overcharge them. The reasoning seems to be, you spend $300-500 on a radio, why take a chance when a battery charger is like $50 or $60. does make sense and I will buy a charger at some point. until then, i am careful. ))

 

[kf5bti]

I have been using eneloop batteries for a few years but have always used their charger. Do the other chargers talked about here make that big of difference?

 

[KE0GXN]

From what I have read the Eneloop charger is good (At least their smart one is). The chargers discussed here are for folks who want to the ability to analyze, discharge/charge and maintain the batteries to get the most prolonged use out of them. Once I invest money on a set of some Eneloop 2100s or Pros, etc I personally want to treat them the best way possible, so I can get the most cycles out of them, thus enabling me get the most amount of years I can out of them too.

I am currently getting by with an Energizer charger, cycling the Uniden set with a set of Energizer 2300s.

Not the ideal situation, but its working till I decide what "smart" charger I am going to buy and batteries.

 

[KE0GXN]

@N5XTC

FYI...I will be deciding soon. I have an e-mail I need to get out to a particular manufacturer with some questions. My plan is to have my decision made by October 15th. Got some OT pay coming on that date that is going to facilitate my purchase along with some other items on my wish list.

Stay tuned.

 

[Eng74]

I use the Powerex Maha MH-C9000 since the GRE PSR-500 came out. And like others have said it has a bright backlight I use the instruction book to cover it up at night. If I am on the road I plug it in hotel bathroom and it makes a good nightlight.

 

[rcool101]

hate to be the dissenter here, but i use my 396XT to charge the rechargeables that came with it and have been

Me too....But I leave em plugged in for days sometimes. Have been since I owned my first BC-200XLT. My 246 is plugged in now for 3 days. Its cold...... . But I do own a La Crosse BC 700 and it is plenty. After all your just charging batteries.